Long Beach GP CEO Michaelian goes from running a track to competing on one

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FILE PHOTO: Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President & CEO Jim Michaelian, left, and Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster share a laugh as they kick off the first full day of LBGP track construction on Feb. 11, 2014. (Photo by Scott Varley/Daily Breeze)

Jim Michaelian, President & CEO of the Long Beach Grand Prix Association (Courtesy)

With his international event just three months away, Jim Michaelian is returning to what his heart yearns for; racing a sports car.

It’s a far cry from what he gets to do each April as the President/CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. He’s been with the group since its formed in 1975 and has served in various roles, but nothing like the one he’ll have this weekend.

Michaelian is in Daytona Beach, Fla., today preparing for the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona that will start Saturday. He’s part of the Muehlner Motorsport team that will compete in a Porsche 911 GT American in the GT Daytona class.

It will mark his 16th appearance on the 3.56-mile road course located inside Daytona International Speedway.

“That’s quite a story, Jim’s no spring chicken (he’ll turn 71 next month) and he’s still racing in America’s biggest road race,” said one industry insider who wished to remain anonymous. “That’s quite impressive. How many other racing executives are out there?”

At this level, only Michaelian, who only has limited time to enjoy his passion. He usually tries to schedule his racing during the summer months beginning in July, but this particular event is mixing pleasure with business.

Muehlner will qualify today after a brief practice and race starting at 10 a.m. That will give Michaelian some time to talk with officials of the IMSA sanctioning body that will have two events at the April 17-19 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

But there won’t be time to think about his own races when he’s in the Porsche that will reach speeds of 130 mph or so, especially at night. Michaelian will find out who his teammates will be this weekend once he arrives, but it’s believed he’ll be teamed with Connor DePhillippi of San Clemente and Matteo Beretta of Italy in addition to another driver.

Michaelian tested the Porsche two weeks ago at the Roar Before The Shore as there will be no time to do so during a very limited schedule preparing for the race.

“The Roar was really important,” said Michaelian. “We were able to get the car sorted, which included getting the seats right.”

That cuts down on the time spent in the pits as drivers change every hour or so. However, at night, the stints will be closer to two hours as drivers attempt to rest.

“Daytona is one of the best places to race at night because it’s not pitch black,” said Michaelian. “They turn on about 10 percent of the lights, where other tracks, such as Sebring, don’t have any lights.

“It takes total concentration. We’re in the third (of four) fastest class, so you have to keep an eye out front and an eye on the mirror. The speed differential is about 10 mph so some of the cars catch up to you pretty quick.

“You just don’t want to fight for a spot in the corner.”

Michaelian speaks from experience. In addition to the Grand-Am Series, he’s also raced at the famed Nurburgring track in Germany, LeMans and Sebring since he started racing in 2000.

In his previous 15 races at Daytona, he finished nine races. A year ago, his team completed 603 laps but was unable to cross the finish line. That’s a major responsibility.

“It’s not like racing as an individual. There are many people dependent on you,” he said. “I’ve crashed and didn’t feel really good about it, (because) you’ve let the team down.”

It has given Michaelian a sense of credibility that other track executives seldom enjoy.

“Racers think my experience gives me an insight of understanding what goes on,” said Michaelian. “It’s about quality people that have worked for us. Our event showcases the city in a positive light.”

But with his experience, Michaelian is no longer fighting butterflies.

“Not so much any more,” he said, “now that I’ve done it so many times. It’s still exciting.”

Three facts about Jim Michaelian

• A graduate of UCLA with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Master’s in Business Administration

• Serves on board of directors of Grand Prix Foundation and the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Lou Brewster is a nationally recognized motorsports journalist who has staffed NASCAR and NHRA events since 1969. Has also staffed high school football, in five different states, since 1967. Has won several national awards in writing and breaking news.